Ecomorphological patterns and shape indices of otoliths in the Pagellus acarne (Actinopterygii, Sparidae) from the Aegean and Marmara Seas

Pagellus acarne is found in coastal waters worldwide and it includes important species of commercial recreational fisheries. In this study, 16 morphometric variables the sagittal otolith, including six characters, shape indices, four ecomorphological indexes, were investigated for first time among P. stocks collected from Aegean Marmara Seas coasts Turkey. Statistically significant differences between right left otolith individuals both (p < 0.05). Similarly, observed on same side The otoliths exhibited higher discrimination power than within two stocks. PCA showed that only five (31.25%) (otolith area, perimeter, form factor, roundness, edge complexity index) out sixteen quite characters differentiation These demonstrated a very high rate accurate (99.0%) results indicated indexes can be used as suitable tools to discriminate This study include all such morphometrics, shape, indices these localities.